Gilligan: Transit Corridor Development Authority Proposal Will Provide Useful Assistance and Benefits to Towns and Cities

Published 8:12 pm, Thursday, May 21, 2015

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and its 156 member municipal leaders have long advocated for additional investment and improvements to our state and local transportation infrastructure and for the continued development of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects. Municipal officials across Connecticut are innovators in the effort to improve how our communities develop with a focus on all modes of transportation -- from ports and airports, to rail and bus to automobiles and pedestrians.

House Bill 6851, "An Act Establishing the Transit Corridor Development Authority," would establish the Transit Corridor Development Authority (TCDA) as a quasi-public agency to focus on TOD projects around existing and future transit stations within the state. The TCDA would be charged with coordinating the development of state transportation initiatives, leveraging state and private investments in order to assist communities and stimulate economic growth and housing opportunities.

HB 6851, as first proposed, raised numerous questions and significant concerns among local leaders including whether the proposed TCDA would usurp local control and the application of local zoning and land use regulations. Additional concerns were raised regarding the lack of municipal and regional representation on the TCDA board and with the proposed condemnation authority of the TCDA.

State officials amended the bill to address such concerns. HB 6581 has proven to be an example of state and local leaders working together as partners in governing, to find a way forward rather than a "we know what's best for you" approach.

As amended, HB 6851 has become an enabling piece of legislation rather than a potential mandate and allows municipalities to partner with the TCDA after signing a memorandum of understanding that will delineate the parameters of any proposed development district and projects to be undertaken. HB 6851, as now proposed, clarifies that local zoning, subdivision and wetlands regulations would apply to any development projects, and removes the condemnation authority included in the original proposal.

Additionally, the proposal now provides for increased local participation by allowing the CEO of the host municipality to participate and vote on any projects that would occur within their town or city, and gives the director of the Regional Council of Governments a seat as an ex-officio non-voting member.

The key point of HB 6851 is to assist and spur state and local transit development to improve coordination between towns, cities and the state.

HB 6581 as amended will create the needed authority to improve coordination with the development of TOD projects in and between communities and maximize the potential of public and private investments.

CCM continues to work with the proponents of the bill to address remaining concerns such as clarifying the process by which a municipality may enter into an agreement with the TCDA.

When state officials listen and address the concerns of local officials we can create a synergy that enables good policies to be established to the benefit of the residents we both serve.

Matthew Galligan is town manager of South Windsor and president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.